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Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz, 3120 Nueva Ecija, Philippines

Achievement Unlocked: The Story of a ‘Golden’ Graduate

Feb. 21, 2024

StratCom | SCO

“Akala ko noon wala nang pag-asa, pero nakita ko na madami pa palang pwedeng mangyari at pwedeng magawa. Maniwala at magtiwala ka lang dahil habang may pangarap tayo, may pag-asa.” Hope, determination, and faith in life are the things Ms. Lourdes G. Cruz held onto to fulfill her dream of having a college degree at the age of 50. She received her diploma as one of the 594 graduates during the 33rd Midyear Commencement Exercises last February 16, 2024 through the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) offered by Central Luzon State University. Accompanied by her 90-year-old father, Mr. Aquilio Cruz patiently waited for her daughter as her name was called to receive her diploma in Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education. “Sinama ko yung tatay ko kasi gusto kong iparanas sa kanya yung pakiramdam na meron syang anak na nakatapos ng kolehiyo,” Cruz added being the first child to finish a college degree as a tribute to her parents, especially her proud father. Lourdes faced many challenges as a single working mother but she didn't let those hindrances stop her to dream while supporting his son to also finish his education, who eventually became an engineer and now a faculty of the College of Engineering. “Napagtapos ko na yung anak ko kahit single mom ako, kaya sabi ko sa sarili ko after niya makatapos ng pag-aaral, ako naman,” Lourdes declares as she believed that education is the key to success and refuses to give up on her dream of obtaining a college degree. With the support of her son and her determination, Ms. Cruz proved that age is just a number and achieving one's dreams has no definite timeline. CLSU - ETEEAP offers an alternative education delivery mode and promotes access to continuing quality higher education of Filipinos through an effective system of academic equivalency and accreditation of prior learning from relevant work experiences. For more information, visit the ETEEAP office or contact them thru eteeap@clsu.edu.ph.

Related SDGs
  • 4

    Goal 4: Quality Education

  • 17

    Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals

Other Stories

CLSU Stages "Cacao TALKS 2026" to Bolster Value Chain

To showcase the latest findings and technologies in Cacao, the Central Luzon State University held the Cacao TALKS (Transforming Agriculture through Livelihoods, Knowledge and Sustainability) 2026: A Cacao Value Chain Conference on March 11, 2026, at the RIE Amphitheater. The conference convened over 120 cacao farmers, researchers, and entrepreneurs, with more than 1,000 views on Facebook Live, synchronizing efforts to elevate the Philippine cacao value chain. The event was made possible under the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) funded project titled “Productivity, Technical Efficiency, and Competitiveness of the Cacao Value Chain in the Philippines” led by Dr. Edilyn V. Lansangan, which aimed to transition the industry from traditional farming to a technology-driven, market-competitive sector. During the opening program, University President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella, represented by Vice President for Research and Extension Dr. Emmanuel M. Vera Cruz, emphasized the importance of the gathering, noting that the presence of stakeholders reflects a collective drive to position cacao as one of the primary engines for rural development. “Today's conference brings together a diverse and dynamic community of stakeholders, from farmers and researchers to entrepreneurs, policymakers, and development partners. Your presence reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the Cacao Value Chain and unlocking the vast potential of Cacao as a driver of sustainable agriculture, livelihood generation, and rural development.” A high-level technical session featured industry leaders and researchers who addressed the multifaceted challenges of the sector. Philippine Cacao Industry Council (PCIC) President Consul Armi Lopez-Garcia and Dr. Divina M. Amalin of De La Salle University headlined a panel that covered national industry status, and the potential of cacao in the market. In addition, experts from CLSU, University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), University of the Philippines Mindanao, Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), and Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) discussed advanced pest management and the integration of modern agricultural techniques. Beyond production, the conference bridged the gap between the laboratory and the marketplace. Ms. Eva Ritchelle D. Padua, owner of The Dulce Chocolate House, provided an entrepreneurial perspective through presenting a developed product from cacao. The event also featured a technology demonstration held at PHilMech. The event is spearheaded by CLSU together with PCIC/Philippine Cacao Industry Association, Inc. (PCIA), PhilMech, UPLB, DOST-PCAARRD, and Central Luzon Agriculture, Aquatic and Resources Research and Development Consortium (CLAARRDEC). #SievingForExcellence

Mar. 12, 2026

“My Puhunan” TV Show to Feature Tilapia Ice Cream

One of the Kapamilya Channel programs, titled "My Puhunan Kaya Mo!" visited Central Luzon State University (CLSU) to capture the story behind the world-renowned Daerry’s Tilapia Ice Cream on March 6, 2026. Accompanied by the developer herself, Dr. Dana G. Vera Cruz, the crew made a quick visit to the Dungon Museum and the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) at CLSU before diving into the production of the university’s most curious delicacy. The program aims to highlight how CLSU transformed a humble aquatic staple into a sweet, award-winning sensation that defies expectations with its creamy texture and zero-fishy taste. Watch and support this inspiring story, airing on March 15, 2026, at 4:00 pm on Kapamilya Channel, and Kapamilya Online Live.

Mar. 12, 2026

COS Launches the FIRST Program to Elevate Research and Teaching

The College of Science (COS), led by its College Dean, Dr. Angeles M. De Leon, officially launched the Faculty Immersion in Research, Scholarship, and Teaching (FIRST) Program today, March 12, at the CLSU International Studio. Attended by College Deans, faculty members, and staff, the FIRST Program is a strategic initiative anchored under the Educating for Leadership, Enterprise, Value-Creation, and Advanced Talent Ecosystems (ELEVATE) Program of the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (OVPAA) to transform the University into a world-class national research institution. Rather than a one-time workshop, it is an institutionalized, annual cycle of training and mentorship. “The success of the FIRST Program will depend not only on its design but on the active participation, collaboration, and commitment of our faculty members. This is an invitation for all of us to continue learning, mentoring, and growing together as a community of scholars,” De Leon said in her message. This program reflects the unwavering commitment of the University to strengthen not only its faculty but also the future of its students and its broader institutional impact. #SievingForExcellence

Mar. 12, 2026

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Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines 3120
  • Central Luzon State University, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
  • op@clsu.edu.ph
  • (044) 940 8785

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